Are you looking to upgrade your morning routine with a convenient single-serve coffee maker? With so many Keurig models to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right one for your needs and budget.
This comprehensive Keurig coffee maker review covers everything you need to know to find your perfect brewer. We’ll compare the top-rated Keurig models across various categories like size, features, performance, and value. Plus, get the pros and cons of each along with FAQs to help you make an informed decision.
Outline of Keurig Coffee Maker Models and Key Features
Entry-Level Keurig Coffee Makers
- Keurig K-Classic
- Keurig K-Select
- Keurig K-Slim
Key Features: Simple interface, smaller water reservoir, strong brew
Mid-Range Keurig Coffee Makers
- Keurig K-Cafe
- Keurig K-Duo
- Keurig K-Duo Plus
- Keurig K-Elite
Key Features: Larger water reservoir, temperature control, specialty beverages, brew strength control
High-End Luxury Keurig Coffee Makers
- Keurig K-Supreme Plus
- Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition
- Keurig K-Duo Plus Craft
- Keurig K-Duo Essentials
Key Features: Premium finish, large color touchscreen, smartphone app control, iced coffee setting
Additional Considerations
- Size and Footprint
- Water Reservoir Capacity
- Brew Sizes and Options
- Temperature Control
- Specialty Beverages
- Smart Features and Connectivity
- Ease of Use and Cleaning
- Noise Level
- Value for Money
In-Depth Reviews of the Top Keurig Coffee Makers
Best Overall: Keurig K-Elite
The Keurig K-Elite is the sweet spot between price and features, making it one of Keurig’s best selling coffee makers.
Brew Sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 oz
Features: Strong brew setting, iced coffee setting, hot water on demand, 75 oz removable water reservoir, simple interface with digital clock
Pros
- Brews full pot in addition to single serve
- Easy to use control panel with strength control
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Large 75 oz water reservoir reduces refilling
- Quiet brewing
- Auto-off saves energy
Cons
- Cannot make specialty drinks
- No smart connectivity
With a spacious water reservoir, quiet operation, and helpful settings like strong brew and iced coffee, the Keurig K-Elite offers excellent value without breaking the bank. It’s the ideal single serve coffee maker for most households.
Best for Specialty Drinks: Keurig K-Cafe
For lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffee drinks, the Keurig K-Cafe is the clear winner.
Brew Sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12 oz
Features: Coffee, latte, cappuccino, cold brew settings, dishwasher safe milk frother, 60 oz water reservoir
Pros
- Makes full specialty coffee drinks
- Easy to use touch display
- Versatile milk frother for hot/cold milk
- Large 60 oz removable water reservoir
- Metal handle and upscale finish
Cons
- No carafe brewing option
- Frother takes practice to master
- Higher price point
With the ability to brew espresso drinks and make frothy milk with a push of a button, the Keurig K-Cafe takes the guesswork out of cafe-quality beverages at home. It’s perfect for latte and cappuccino lovers.
Most Versatile: Keurig K-Duo Plus
If you want the best of both worlds – single serve and carafe brewing – the Keurig K-Duo Plus is a versatile all-in-one machine.
Brew Sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12 oz single serve, up to 12 cups carafe
Features: Brews full carafe and single serve, 60 oz reservoir, strength control, pause & pour
Pros
- Brews a full carafe in addition to single serve
- Large 60 oz removable reservoir
- Durable metal handle and polished metal finish
- Strength control for bolder coffee
- Pause & pour feature avoids drips
Cons
- No specialty drinks
- Bulky size with carafe brewing
- Carafe must be purchased separately
With the ability to brew both a quick single serve cup or full 12 cup carafe, the Keurig K-Duo Plus offers unbeatable versatility. It’s the best option for households that use both brew methods.
Best Budget: Keurig K-Select
The Keurig K-Select is a reasonably priced single serve coffee maker that doesn’t compromise on features.
Brew Sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12 oz
Features: Strong brew, simple interface, 52 oz reservoir, quiet brew
Pros
- Lower price point under $100
- Strong brew setting for bolder coffee
- Large 52 oz easy to fill water reservoir
- Simple, quiet operation
- Small countertop footprint
Cons
- No temperature settings
- No carafe brewing ability
- Smaller water reservoir than premium models
For shoppers on a budget, the Keurig K-Select provides delicious K-cup brewing at an affordable price point. It’s the best value Keurig model for single serve convenience.
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Side-by-Side Comparison of Keurig Coffee Makers
| Model | Price | Brew Sizes | Reservoir | Special Features | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K-Cafe | $170+ | 6, 8, 10, 12oz | 60 oz | Specialty drinks, frother | No carafe, frother learning curve |
| K-Duo Plus | $200+ | SS + 12 cups | 60 oz | Carafe brewing | Bulky size, no specialty drinks |
| K-Elite | $160+ | 4-12oz | 75 oz | Strong brew, iced setting | No smart features or specialty drinks |
| K-Select | $100+ | 6, 8, 10, 12oz | 52 oz | Strong brew | Smaller reservoir, no temperature control |
| K-Classic | $100+ | 6, 8, 10 oz | 48 oz | Simple interface | No strength/temp control, smaller reservoir, no iced coffee setting |
Frequently Asked Questions About Keurig Coffee Makers
Which Keurig model is best for a household with 2 coffee drinkers?
For a 2-person household, the K-Duo Plus is a great option. It can quickly brew single cups when you want them and also has a 12 cup carafe for brewing full pots when you have guests or want to make coffee for the week.
Should I buy a Keurig with a touch screen or buttons?
Touch screens often make coffee makers look sleek and high-tech but can sometimes be less intuitive. Physical buttons are often easier to use, especially when half-awake in the morning! Any model of Keurig will function well, so choose based on your budget and preference.
What features make the high-end Keurigs worth the extra cost?
Premium Keurig models like the K-Cafe Special Edition and K-Supreme Plus offer larger color touch displays, smartphone control through an app, and more versatility for specialty coffee drinks. They also have a more high-end, elegant aesthetic. For most people, mid-range models have sufficient features at a better value.
Can Keurig coffee makers brew iced coffee?
Many Keurig models like the K-Elite and K-Supreme Plus have a dedicated iced coffee setting that customizes the brew strength and size for perfect iced coffee. On models without this setting, you can brew over ice but may need to adjust coffee amounts yourself.
How often do you need to descale a Keurig machine?
Descaling every 3-6 months helps remove mineral buildup inside a Keurig for optimal performance. Some models have descaling alerts to notify you when it’s needed. Using filtered water can help reduce mineral buildup and extend time between descaling.
What are reusable K-cups and are they worth it?
Reusable K-cups let you fill the pod with your own grounds rather than using disposable plastic pods. They are an eco-friendly option if you want more choice in your coffee and to reduce waste but can be messier. Make sure to clean reusable cups thoroughly to avoid clogs.
Choose the Best Keurig Coffee Maker for Your Needs
With single serve convenience, delicious brews, and modern features, Keurig coffee makers make it easy to create cafe-quality drinks at home. Consider how many people will use the machine and which settings and functions are most important to choose the perfect model for your kitchen. From versatile carafe brewing on the K-Duo Plus to specialty lattes on the K-Cafe, Keurig delivers convenience, customization, and quality with their innovative single serve brewers.
